Several Ways to Die Trying

I love this song so much.

Dusk and Summer

This song (probably playing or on my playlist) holds a bit of nostalgia for me. I wrote a poem called Down By the Shore because of this song. When I hear it I am taken to several different moments in my life. A concert or two where Chris Carrabba, of Dashboard Confessional, had everyone hold their cell phones in the air to represent the stars that were out when he was writing this song on his rooftop overlooking the ocean in South Florida.

The first and most powerful memory that enters my mind is being at the beach below the Carmel House. It was a moment of bitter sweetness now. While it was one of the best weekends of my life, though too short, now it represents all the things I want and wish I had in my life.

I spent this weekend with the only girl I have ever said "I Love You" to. And I meant it with all my soul when I said it. At this point, I hadn't yet emoted to her that this was the case but I felt it and I knew it was real. I finally had something worth losing. These were good feelings and I cherish them.

Eventually things transpired and our relationship didn't last. But this song, in its beauty, will remind me of that weekend where I spent it with the only girl I have loved. And though it didn't work out I have a hope that there will come a time when I can feel those emotions and hear these words and I won't think of her anymore but of the new love I have found. I know what I am looking for. And I know I am waiting for something new, something that will be more than a weekend. I don't know who she is or where she is but she's, to cop a line from An American Tale, somewhere out there.

Heaven Here by Dashboard Confessional

This song has nothing to do with my current situation. Its not in reference to the weather we've been having here in Utah. The seasons keep fighting with each other to see who's turn it is and a winner has yet to be determined.

Is it possible for a song to REMIND you of an event that hasn't happened? Isn't that a paradox? I can't be reminded of a future memory. So let me try and put it another way. This song, to me, represents how I hope to feel. I want this song played at my wedding reception. It seems so appropriate for that situation.

The lyrics are so hopeful. I can imagine feeling this way on my wedding day, being at the reception and for some reason this song encapsulates the events and feelings that should be taking place. "We are the only ones who feel it." Its all about me and my sweetheart.

Maybe it can mean something for you too. Enjoy.